Births on January 23

Walter Frederick Morrison, American businessman, invented the Frisbee (d. 2010)

The Visionary Behind the Soaring Disc: Walter Frederick Morrison, Inventor of the Frisbee

Walter Frederick Morrison, born on January 23, 1920, and passing away on February 9, 2010, was a remarkable American inventor and entrepreneur whose ingenuity gifted the world one of its most universally recognized recreational devices: the Frisbee. His life story is a testament to the power of observation, innovation, and perseverance in transforming a simple idea into a global phenomenon.

From War Pilot to Playful Innovator: The Genesis of an Idea

Morrison's inventive spirit was evident early on. During his service as a B-29 pilot in World War II, he gained a unique perspective on aerodynamics, which would later prove invaluable. The true spark for what would become the Frisbee, however, ignited in 1948 on a beach in Santa Monica, California. While tossing a popcorn lid with his future wife, Lu, Morrison noticed the inherent potential for a more durable and aerodynamically stable flying object. This playful moment, coupled with the desire for a better throwing experience, led him to envision a new type of disc. What was the initial inspiration for the Frisbee? It began with the simple act of throwing a cake pan and observing its flight.

The Evolution of a Flying Marvel: From "Flyin' Saucer" to "Pluto Platter"

Driven by his entrepreneurial zeal, Morrison embarked on a journey of design and refinement. His first commercial iteration, introduced in 1948, was aptly named the "Flyin' Saucer." This early version, while innovative for its time, was merely a precursor to a more refined design. After further experimentation and improvements, he developed the "Pluto Platter" in 1955. This particular disc represented a significant leap forward, featuring a more stable and predictable flight path due to its unique rim and dome shape. Morrison secured a patent for this "Flying Toy" under U.S. Patent No. 2,933,860, which was officially granted in 1959.

The Iconic Rebranding: How the "Frisbee" Earned Its Name

In 1957, Walter Morrison made a pivotal decision, selling the rights to his "Pluto Platter" to the burgeoning California toy company, Wham-O. It was Wham-O, under the astute leadership of its co-founders, Richard Knerr and Arthur "Spud" Melin, who observed an interesting phenomenon on college campuses. Students, particularly at Yale, were already accustomed to throwing empty pie tins from the nearby Frisbie Pie Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, often shouting "Frisbie!" as they did. Recognizing the organic popularity of this name, Wham-O strategically rebranded the "Pluto Platter" to the "Frisbee" in 1958. This brilliant marketing move, rooted in popular culture, cemented the disc's enduring name and solidified its place in the recreational landscape.

Walter Morrison's Enduring Legacy: A Global Phenomenon

Morrison's invention transcended its initial purpose as a simple toy, evolving into a cultural icon and a basis for numerous competitive sports. The Frisbee's versatile and elegant design has spawned a multitude of disciplines, including Ultimate Frisbee, a team sport recognized globally; Freestyle Frisbee, which showcases incredible trick throws; Guts, a fast-paced team game; and Disc Golf, a popular precision sport played on courses similar to traditional golf. Walter Frederick Morrison's foresight and dedication transformed recreational play, creating a lasting legacy that continues to entertain and challenge millions across the globe, long after his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Frisbee and Its Inventor

Who invented the Frisbee?

The modern flying disc known as the Frisbee was invented by Walter Frederick Morrison, an American inventor and entrepreneur.

When was the Frisbee invented?

While Walter Morrison began developing flying discs around 1948 with his "Flyin' Saucer," his improved and patented design, the "Pluto Platter," was developed in 1955. It was later rebranded as the "Frisbee" in 1958 by Wham-O.

How did the Frisbee get its name?

The name "Frisbee" was coined by the Wham-O toy company in 1958. It was inspired by the practice of college students throwing empty pie tins from the Frisbie Pie Company and shouting "Frisbie!" as they played.

What was the Frisbee called before it was named Frisbee?

Before Wham-O renamed it, Walter Morrison's patented flying disc was known as the "Pluto Platter." His very first commercial version was called the "Flyin' Saucer."